The setting for horror/thriller films is usually one the initiates fear. Some typical examples include graveyards, asylums and derilict buildings. Another theme that appears in nearly all horror is that it is set at night. The darkness takes away the characters and audience sense of sight, thus making them more vulnerable. Overall the setting must connate a sense of danger and isolation, putting the lead characters in a vulnerable and often life endangering situation. However a setting doesn't need to be a stereotypical one to be sucessfull. This is evident in the 'Paranormal Activity Films'. The setting for these films is a 'normal' house. But the use of certain camera techniques creates fear rather than the actual setting. However it could possibly be that the normailty of such a house enables the audience to relate to it better. It gives the impression that even in the security of your own home you aren't safe.
Some famous examples of horror movie settings:
The Amityville House
Another example of a 'normal' setting becoming a frightful and terrifying place
The Blair Witch Forest
A more stereotypical location that creates a sense of isolation and danger
Alien
This is an example where the setting is completely fictional. It has little reference to the real world but allows the audiences imagination to 'run wild'.
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